A. Shafik, Magnetic stimulation: A novel method for inducing evacuation of the neuropathic rectum and urinary bladder in a canine model, UROLOGY, 54(2), 1999, pp. 368-372
Objectives, To study the effect of sacral magnetic stimulation (MS) on the
neuropathic rectum and urinary bladder in dogs. It has been demonstrated in
a canine model and in humans that sacral MS of both the empty and full rec
tum effected a significant increase in rectal and vesical pressures. Evacua
tion of the full rectum, as well as balloon expulsion, were achieved.
Methods, In 15 dogs, bilateral pelvic ganglionectomy was carried out, and r
ectal and vesical denervation was confirmed by bethanechol and atropine tes
ting. Sacral MS of the empty and full rectum and urinary bladder were perfo
rmed by means of a magnetic stimulator and coil. The electromyographic (EMG
) response of the rectus abdominus muscles to sacral MS was recorded.
Results. After pelvic ganglionectomy, the rectal, vesical, anal, and urethr
al pressures revealed a significant decrease (all P < 0.05). On sacral MS o
f the empty rectum and urinary bladder, rectal and vesical pressures increa
sed (both P < 0.001) and anal and urethral pressures did not change (both P
> 0.05). Atropine injection abolished the rectal and vesical response to s
acral MS; bethanechol did not. During sacral MS, no EMG activity of the rec
tus abdominus muscles was recorded. Intermittent sacral MS of the full rect
um and urinary bladder raised rectal and vesical pressures (both P < 0.001)
and effected evacuation.
Conclusions. Sacral MS causes evacuation of the neuropathic rectum and urin
ary bladder in a canine model. The technique is simple, noninvasive, nonrad
iologic, and cost-effective and has no adverse effects. It is suggested tha
t it be used for evacuation of the neuropathic rectum and urinary bladder i
n patients with spinal cord injury. (C) 1999, Elsevier Science Inc.